Energy efficiency and carbon emissions assessment of container terminal equipment at Tan Cang – Cai Mep Thi Vai

Energy efficiency is now a major problem in the port business due to the introduction of stricter environmental regulations and growing public criticism from communities living near port locations. However, there is little research on energy efficiency and emissions from port infrastructure and container terminal operations in developing countries, as such data are often sensitive and proprietary. By providing factual data on the real energy consumption and CO2 emissions of Vietnam’s large, contemporary container port, this study fills this knowledge gap. Results show that the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions are yard terminal tractors and rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTG cranes), which account for 75% of the terminal’s overall CO₂ output. Two methods were investigated to improve energy efficiency when these high-emission sources were identified: replacing diesel-powered tractors with LNG-powered ones and modernising RTG cranes. CO2 emissions were significantly reduced as a result of both strategies. Furthermore, this study examines the management tools that can be used to motivate port operators to adopt environmentally friendly measures and minimise external impacts.